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| The Queen opens fifth Welsh Assembly in Cardiff Bay | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The Queen has officially opened the Welsh Assembly saying it marked a "further significant development in the history of devolution in Wales". | |
| She was greeted with music and poetry as she arrived at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay at about 11:30 BST on Tuesday. | |
| The Only Boys Aloud choir, harpist Anne Denholm and the National Youth Choir of Wales were among the performers. | |
| A new poem by the National Poet of Wales, Ifor ap Glyn was presented to mark the Queen's 90th birthday. | |
| Addressing AMs in the Senedd as she opened the fifth Welsh Assembly, the Queen wished them "every success as you prepare to meet the challenges of these constitutional changes and to help realise the potential of the assembly for future generations". | |
| Presiding Officer Elin Jones said the event reinforced the assembly's position as "a focal point for Welsh civic, political and cultural life". | |
| The Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall also attended the royal opening. | |
| Live: Royal opening of the Welsh Assembly | Live: Royal opening of the Welsh Assembly |
| Children and young people from a range of schools and organisations across Wales gathered on the steps of the Senedd to welcome them. | Children and young people from a range of schools and organisations across Wales gathered on the steps of the Senedd to welcome them. |
| "The official opening of the assembly is such an important part of Welsh life," said Ms Jones. | "The official opening of the assembly is such an important part of Welsh life," said Ms Jones. |
| "It is the state opening of Wales' parliament and that's why we need to ensure that the occasion itself reflects that importance. | "It is the state opening of Wales' parliament and that's why we need to ensure that the occasion itself reflects that importance. |
| "It is also an opportunity for us to showcase and celebrate the talent that we have here in Wales, as we mark the beginning of the fifth assembly." | "It is also an opportunity for us to showcase and celebrate the talent that we have here in Wales, as we mark the beginning of the fifth assembly." |
| The mace was carried into the Senedd chamber by assembly security manager Chetan Patel, before Ms Jones officially welcomes the royal visitors. | |
| A large screen outside the Senedd relayed proceedings to members of the public, who were invited inside for free Welsh cakes and tours of the building after the ceremony. | |
| Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins has said she would not attend the event, describing herself as a "committed republican" with a "full day of constituency work". | Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins has said she would not attend the event, describing herself as a "committed republican" with a "full day of constituency work". |
| During the visit on Tuesday, the Queen will also open a new £44m brain research centre at Cardiff University. | During the visit on Tuesday, the Queen will also open a new £44m brain research centre at Cardiff University. |